Shrewsbury board to hold firm on no tax overrides

Wednesday

Oct 10, 2012 at 6:00 AM

Selectmen last night approved their fiscal policies for next fiscal year, including the continued commitment to not call for a Proposition 2-1/2override next spring.

During the past several years the board has agreed not to ask for an override unless “a natural or manmade disaster or extraordinary state of emergency were to befall the community.” The key reason is that voters have rejected most overrides.

The board unanimously said last night that given the condition of the economy and the history of local overrides, the policy should remain intact.

“Personally, I think we should leave it as is. I still don’t think it’s the right time. And I’m not sure if it’s not much more than a Band-Aid anyways,” Chairman Maurice M. DePalo said.

Selectman James F. Kane said the policy will also serve to keep department budget requests in line with what Town Manager Daniel J. Morgado will be trying to achieve.

“The reality is we need to provide complete backup and have the manager’s back as he prepares the next year’s budget,” he said.

In an unrelated matter, the board approved the recommended renewal of the retiree health plans for 2013. Most of the plans will remain at the current rates and contributions. The ones that will increase are Fallon Senior Plan, 4.5 percent; Tufts Medicare Plus Supplement, 4.7 percent, and Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO, 6.2 percent.